Upcoming Sun Devil, scholarship winner reminds country that the American story is still being written

College Bound AZ announced the winner of the 2026 America 250 Scholarship: Pilar Sosa Gonzalez, a soon-to-be Sun Devil graduating from McClintock High School and the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT).

The scholarship recognizes students whose personal stories and experiences reflect the values that the United States of America holds dear: resilience, service and the enduring promise of the American experience as the country celebrates its 250th year.

Gonzalez received her scholarship at College Bound AZ’s White and Gold Ceremony on May 8, which was hosted on the EVIT campus. She will be attending Arizona State University this upcoming fall as a first-generation college student, where she plans to major in neuroscience and pursue a career in health care, specifically for underserved communities.

“Pilar’s journey reflects the power of what happens when determination meets opportunity,” said Elizabeth Paulus, co-founder of College Bound AZ. “Through our partnership with EVIT, we are not only preparing students for college, but empowering them to lead, serve and transform their communities.”

Gonzalez elaborated on what inspired her to write her award-winning essay.

“I was sitting at the kitchen table,” Gonzalez said, “and I realized the experiences I’ve had there — eating, doing my homework — I realized a lot of the sacrifices my parents made. I would usually stay up all night doing my homework and my dad would be just barely coming home.”

Gonzalez said that thinking back on even the simple moments in day-to-day life made her realize the significance of her family's support.

“The simple moments where my family and I had breakfast at the kitchen table; I felt the support that I had, and I was inspired by their stories and my experiences growing up,” Gonzalez said, explaining what motivated her to write her essay.

Gonzalez also credits her inspiration to community influence. She has volunteered for multiple organizations, including HonorHealth and Tempe Community Action food banks.

“I’ve always been involved with my community,” Gonzalez said. “Being able to volunteer has been tremendous. These experiences taught me the value of compassion, teamwork and civic responsibility."

Gonzalez was also a part of The Burton Family Foundation Summer Health Institute.

“My participation in programs, such as ASU Summer Health Institute Program, expanded my knowledge of health care and strengthened my leadership skills,” said Gonzalez. “This experience not only prepared me for college but also reinforced my desire to pursue a career in the medical field.”

Gonzalez is planning on studying neuroscience when she attends ASU in the upcoming fall semester. Thanks to her volunteer experience in the health care field and Summer Health Institute, she knew that this subject is what she wanted to pursue as a career.

“I was fascinated by different fast-paced movements going on in the brain and the science behind it,” said Gonzalez. “I know that this is my calling. I want to be able to work in a place where I get to do research on and learn about the brain.” 

Gonzalez explained that she also wants to obtain a minor in psychology so that she can go on to focus on helping women’s mental health.

“I plan to pursue higher education and build a career in the medical field, where I can give back to communities like my own,” she said. “I want to be an advocate for patients, especially those who may feel unheard or underserved.” 

Gonzalez also shared that being a RISE Scholar was integral to her success in being prepared for college.

“Ms. Paulus, the director at RISE, is very motivated. She pushed me to fill out online applications and FAFSA in time,” said Gonzalez. “Without her help, I would not have qualified for financial aid.”

Thanks to the help that she received from RISE and the encouragement and support her family gave her, Gonzalez is able to pursue a future in a career that she is passionate about. She is proud of her and her family’s hard work through difficult times, and looks forward to advancing her education.

“To me, being American means recognizing the challenges that exist while still striving to overcome them. It means understanding that success is not given but earned through persistence, sacrifice and support from others.” Gonzalez said. “As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, I am proud to contribute my story to its ongoing narrative. Being American means embracing diversity, serving others and believing in the power of opportunity.

“Education will allow me to turn my goals into reality and continue the legacy of resilience that my parents began,” said Gonzalez.

“Pilar’s story reflects the very spirit of America: resilience, determination and service to others,” said Laura Terech, executive director of the Arizona America250 Commission. “As we approach this historic milestone, it is young leaders like Pilar who remind us that the American story is still being written and that its future is bright.”